In very simple terms, there are 3 basic tactics used. You need to be agile enough to hop between strategies quickly as the course of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This consists of assembling a 6-thick wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to achieve, to lock in your opponent’s checkers that are located on your 1-point. This is deemed to be the most acceptable procedure at the begining of the match. You can build the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your two-point and then move it into your home board as the match progresses.
The Blitz
This is composed of closing your home board as quickly as possible while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your opposer rolls an early two and moves one piece from your one-point to your 3-point and you then roll a 5-5, you will be able to play six/one six/one eight/three eight/three. Your challenger is then in big-time trouble since they have 2 checkers on the bar and you have closed half your inner board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have 2 or higher anchors in your opponent’s home board. (An anchor is a point consisting of at least two of your pieces.) It would be employed when you are significantly behind as it greatly improves your circumstances. The strongest places for anchor spots are towards your opponent’s lower points and either on abutting points or with one point in between. Timing is important for a powerful backgame: besides, there is no point having 2 nice anchors and a complete wall in your own home board if you are then forced to break up this right away, while your opposer is moving their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have any other additional checkers to move! In this case, it is better to have checkers on the bar so that you are able to preserve your position up until your competitor provides you a chance to hit, so it will be an excellent idea to try and get your opposer to get them in this situation!
November 5th, 2016
Lee
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